Chapter 15: Unexpected Outcome

This was not what I expected. This was not what I expected at all. I say it twice because this turn of events truly sidelined me. I did not expect the initial dominance by my troops. I did not expect the interruption from Gloria. I did not expect my champions to hold so well against the other lieutenant of the count. So many things could have gone wrong. My mages could have lost the first battle instead of both sides wearing themselves out. The count’s second lieutenant could have torn through my troops, but Alex and Rouge managed to hold out and come out of the battle with minor injuries.

So many things could have gone wrong, yet everything went right. Already, I knew the few troops that participated in this battle would develop greatly over their peers. I would not be surprised if I receive a report of multiple breakthroughs within the next few days. Combat after all was the most important and necessary way to advance through the tiers. I was greatly surprised by the effectiveness of my troops and their aspects. Not only did they pull from Amaya’s wealth of knowledge but with Battle Mind their opponent’s weakness was made obvious. With the final cherry on top being the forced surrender of the count’s forces. My aspects had evolved, and I could now choose my third active perk for both of my current aspects. A smile crossed my face and I turned to see Amaya removing her helmet and returning the smile. We would have much to discuss later. Right now, it was time to give Gloria my full attention.

“So, what is it you want from me,” Surely, confidently, I asked this question.

Gloria flinched so quickly most might have missed it but at this moment while the count was glaring at my cousin and his lieutenants where glaring at me, I only had eyes on her.

“I believe… it would be better to broker a meeting now between my lady and you, Young Lord Aegis Kan.

However, if I may be allowed to ask…have you heard of the Nox?”

Sweat broke out on my forehead at the mention of the Nox and I swallowed as my throat suddenly felt dry. I hadn’t forgotten but I did use this battle as an excuse to push the thought of them far from my mind.

I don’t know what gave myself away to the smaller woman, but she smiled.

“The Nox…,” Gloria begins but then her head jerks sharply as her eyes open wide and her aura sharply increased.

“…you’re not from this world. The same feeling as them… you’re an invader,” she spoke. There was no maliciousness behind her words only certainty.

Sharp! This woman was dangerous, and her wordplay was formidable. I don’t know what gave us away but for her to pick upon it so quickly with no one saying anything gave me testament to the woman’s capabilities. I would need to be careful with what I said around her.

“Sharp. I am Aegis Kan, Young Lord, son of Vasu Kan, Lord of the Wall and I have come to add this world to the ever-growing forces of our dukedom and the Empire.”

I did not mince my words or hide my intentions, for I had no reason too. As I grew older and older, I grew more intwined with the Kan lifestyle and their way of doing things. Being blunt and outspoken was just one of them. I would not lie, cheat, or deceit. I had the power to not do so after all. I had the confidence in my forces as well. Although a few died, most of my troops suffered injuries that could be recovered with the help of our healing mages.

“This changes everything,” Gloria whispered quietly. She looked back up to me before speaking again.

“I, Gloria Starfune formally invite Young Lord Aegis Kan and his Crimson General Amaya Kan to meet our leader, Warrior Princess Karla Astris, in one week’s time at this location. We will have suitable accommodations prepared to host you. I swear upon it.”

This was only getting more and more interesting as time passed. Cocking my head to the side I gave Gloria my answer after a few moments of quiet.

“I accept.”

Now I would have plenty of time to digest my gains as well as the gains of my army.

***

Moriah paced around in frustration. She seemed to be doing that a lot these days and it was the fault of one person and one person only.

“Aegis Kan,” Moriah said through gritted teeth.

At what seemed like the height of the battle everything came to a sudden stop. Not what Moriah wanted or expected, as Aegis discussed with the natives of this world. From the various expressions that appeared throughout the conversation Moriah knew something important would be going on within the next few days. Her eyes lit up in excitement as she gazed at the petite woman Aegis was talking too. Even from here Moriah could see that she was strong. Not a Land God but close. She was probably a step away from possessing that strength. A single step but a single step could spell the difference between heaven and earth. A step that Moriah grew close to as she was on the cuff of breaking through to the 8th tier.

“Alexa…, find out everything.” This was not a suggestion. This was a command.

“My Lady?” Alexa asked in slight confusion.

Moriah’s tone was completely serious as she spoke next. Her back straightened, her head was held high as she looked at the Junior Watcher.

“It’s Moriah when it’s just us. Find out everything. Who this woman is. What the situation is. The powers that Aegis troops used throughout the battle. Everything. Use whatever means necessary. There is more to this world than what I originally thought.”

“Yes, Princess Moriah,” Alexa bowed taking note of the seriousness in her liege’s voice and immediately departed.

“Mariam, you will research everything on the powers displayed by Aegis and his troops. From Amaya Kan to the weakest of his soldiers. I want to know everything you can figure out about the powers they displayed.”

“At once my Princess,” the usually docile girl straightens up, salutes, and then departs as well.

“Jason, it shall be your responsibility to mingle with the nobles brought by Amaya Kan and the ten great families.”

“At once Princess Moriah.”

Another salute and soon Moriah was alone. Silently watching as Aegis conversed with the woman.

***

Ryna gasped as she watched the count grasp Lady Amaya neck only to be repulsed in the next moment as she activated her bloodline. High Priestess Lara watched the girl an unreadable expression upon her face. Soon it would be time for Ryna Rohan to prove her worth to the Church of Arva and if she fails… Lara didn’t bother to finish the thought. Her reputation preceded herself. All knew what would happen to failures under High Priestess Lara command.

Lara’s attention was caught however, the moment a petite woman appeared, and the battle stopped because of her appearance. Peak tier 9, even from here in the base of the young lord Lara could tell. This was a woman who had reached the absolute peak of her world. Lara grew interested in her wondering if the people of this would be up to par with the citizens of the Empire. If she could find a few more like this and have them experience the pleasure of the Bountiful Harvest… a wide smile plastered itself on her face. One that Ryna did not see as she kept her eyes glued to Aegis.

It had been a long time since they last spoke to one another and Ryna wondered if he even thought of her anymore. Maybe it was time for her to let these feelings go but she would give it one last try beforehand.

*

Makanui re-watched the battle from the beginning. Studying the effects of the powers granted by his cousin. He could see how the troops moved smoothly and was slowly overwhelming their competition. The same powers he now had access too. At least him and his upper leadership. If he could provide this to the rest of his troops Makanui could truly carve an area for the Hukku Clan on this new world.

“Decisions, decisions, decisions…”

Makanui rose from his sitting position and began to pace around his room. His mind in turmoil. He already signed himself away. To allow his troops to join with Aegis would truly show his inferiority to his cousin. At least in Makanui’s mind. Through his mother’s praises of Aegis, Makanui had somehow developed a spirit of competitiveness. One that was not emulated by his cousin at all. He already bowed his head once. To do so again would truly admit defeat.

His starlit eyes paused looking out at the night sky and single moon orbiting the world of Prima. His expression remains unreadable the entire time.

***

I rushed through the terrain Amaya right beside me as the effect of our battle finally came through. Magical storms were one thing. Magical storms generated by battle was an entirely different realm altogether. In all my life I had only seen one magical storm and it was upon my return from the Catacombs a few months into my recruitment and training. My mother took me to the Arrarra Forbidden Region and showed me why anyone who reaches a rank is very careful when using their strength around those weaker.

The rain did not fall from the sky but rose from the ground. Like sharp jagged blades screaming its way towards the heavens. Time seemed to be moving in reverse but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. A beast within the area was remolded to be inside out while the plants rose and danced with one another. It was one of the more bizarre sights I’d ever seen and that was just a normal magical storm.

We did not want to be around one the affects from our battle made themselves known. Although I did not think it would be as bizarre as the one, I experienced. This world was only minor after all.

“How do you feel? Also, I want to apologize.”

Amaya shot me a look as we sped through the terrain. Red lightning lit up our surrounds and the crimson battle armor we wore.

“Shouldn’t we wait until we’re at a safe distance before we discuss any matters related to the battle? What do you mean you want to apologize? Apologize for what?”

“We probably should wait but I want to get this off my chest before we become swamped with responsibilities the moment we return to base.”

“Speaking of the base have you decided on a name yet?”

“I think this time you can choose,” I gave her a smile hidden under my helmet, but the intention was their nonetheless before I continued.

“I want to apologize for not including you in that talk earlier. You are my right hand, and I couldn’t do this without you. I should not alone make decisions like that.”

Amaya was silent for a few moments, and I wish our helmets were removed so I could see my cousins face. So much was lost in the terms of feelings and emotions. As with the helmet it was easy for her to mask her feelings.

“Truthfully I was a bit… unsettled as you spoke with Gloria. It’s clear she’s some sort of noble and as your general all terms and conditions of the war should go through me first. However, because of her level of strength I understand your reasonings even if you don’t say anything.

With how quickly you dismissed the troops it couldn’t have been more obvious to me.”

I gave out a wry smile. Truly Amaya had come to know me well.

“Regardless I ought to make it up to you. The peace talks will be under your jurisdiction. Whatever you say I will follow. We’re in this together.”

I tried to express as much trust and understanding as I could. Amaya didn’t respond for a while and the heavy ‘clang, clang, clang, of our footsteps continued.

“Thank you.”